“Light sails propelled by radiation pressure from high-power lasers have the potential to achieve relativistic spaceflight”

Caltech spokeperson

And it will enable humans to search nearby solar systems for extra-terrestrial life.

The Caltech engineers are exploiting the inertia of photons to reach the astronomical speeds required to cover big distances in relatively short amounts of time.

Unlike chunky air molecules, light doesn't have a resting mass, so it doesn't “blow” in the same way wind does.

But flying photons still pack a punch by exerting pressure via their momentum, according to Maxwell's equations on electromagnetic radiation.

NASA

BREAKTHROUGH: Caltech's new material can propel spacecraft to 20% of the speed of light

NASA

NASA: The material, made out of silicon and its oxide, silica, will be used in solar sails

The idea is to use a laser to coherently shoot a stream of photons at infrared wavelengths at a “light net”, or sail, attached to a spaceship.

Even for small objects that would mean casting a big sail, which in turn means adding more mass. So this sail needs to be as light as possible, which could make it prone to easy damage.

By turning to nanomaterials, engineers have the advantage of tweaking the way light is absorbed and emitted, allowing them to fine-tune the delicate balance of catching enough light to build up speed without overheating.

A spokesperson said: “Light sails propelled by radiation pressure from high-power lasers have the potential to achieve relativistic spaceflight.”

California Institute of Technology

LIGHT SPEED: The material can propel spacecraft to 20% of the speed of lightRelated articles